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History Of Trinity United Met
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HISTORY
OF
Trinity United Methodist Church
196M972
By
Benjamin Quy Childs
TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Church Street at Liberty
Durham, North Carolina 27701
DUKE
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARIES
From the estate of
Dr. Robert E. Cushman
HISTORY
OF
Trinity United Methodist Church
Church Street at Liberty Street
l^urham, North Carolina
196M972
By
Benjamin Quy Childs
Emeritus Professor of Education
Duke University
(^^
A Supplement to
"The Centennial History of Trinity Methodist Church"
by B. G. Childs,
Printed by Seeman Printery, Durham, N. C.
Foreword
In the long and glorious history of Trinity Church, many
persons have made significant contributions. The names
of many of these have been noted in the "Centennial His-
tory of Trinity Church", published in 1961.
While history itself can alone meaningfully judge the
contributions of a particular era or person, discerning per-
sons can measure greatness in its own time.
Thus it is that "tiny ripples may become surging cur-
rents" which lead to great change. Programs and gran-
diose plans of men may also "fizzle out."
It is a difficult process to record events and the role
played by persons or a congregation during a particular
era. The decade of the 1960's has been one of the most
turbulent in the history of the nation if not all recorded
history. Massive changes in social, political and religious
life have brought nations and mankind on the brink of
shock.
Trinity Church has not been aloof nor untouched by
these changes. The downtown, old "mother churches"
have lost much of their prominence and prestige. This
does not mean, however, that these "center city" churches
have lest their mission or their reason for being!
This updating of the "Centennial History" by Dr. Ben
Childs brings us face-to-face with the facts of the past
eleven years. The nature, change and complexity of life
is drastically different from that of 1960. I trust you will
find these pages interesting, inspiring and challenging.
Dr. Childs has been and is one of the truly vital and
influential laymen of the Trinity congregation for almost
fifty years. His significant contributions have not been
properly recorded because he has been the "scribe" to
record and report Trinity's past. Ministers and laymen
alike acknowledge the influence and depth of his Christian
life.
We also acknowledge our thanks to members of the
Methodist Men and First Tuesday Club, who made the
publication of this historical addition possible.
—William K. Quick
1961-1962
The record of Trinity Church from the Centennial to the
present date is not without interest nor significance. For
the first year of this decade, Rev. W. M. Howard, Jr. con-
tinued in the second year of his ministry here. The of-
ficial report of the pastor shows that the church year of
1961-1962 began with approximately 1460 members. This
number does not include 117 preparatory members, who
were, for the most part, not yet confirmed into full mem-
bership. The trustees of the church, through the presi-
dent, R. H. Powell, Jr., reported the estimated value of
all the church property as approximately $837,500.
During the church year, Trinity lost by death one of
its most devoted and dedicated members, Mrs. Pattie C.
Baldwin. For years Mrs. Baldwin had loved and labored
for her church as church secretary and visitor, and church
school teacher, as well as in other capacities. A Sunday
School Class, composed of women, was later organized as
a tribute to her life and work and given the name of the
Pattie Baldwin Class.
In October, 1961, Professor W. W. Rankin died. He
had been identified with Trinity Church for more than 30
years. He had served faithfully as Chairman of the Of-
ficial Board, as a church school teacher, and in other places
of significance to the congregation. During his lifetime.
Dr. Rankin had devoted himself to the planting of trees
and shrubbery on the church grounds, and this practice
was continued after his death by the planting of more
shrubbery as a Rankin Memorial. It has been written of
Dr. Rankin that he was "one of those men, who through
ennobling unselfishness create memorials to themselves —
memorials that cannot be swept away by wind or tide, but
they are forever treasured in the recollection of those who
remain."
Throughout the church year of 1960-61, Bascom Baynes
had given loyally of himself as Chairman of the Official
Board. His successor for 1961-62 was Dr. H. J. Herring;
Baxter Ridenhour continued as church school superin-
tendent; and Mrs. A. M. Bynum, Jr. was president of the
Woman's Society of Christian Service.
1962-1963
Records for the church year of 1962-63 show some in-
teresting developments. Official reports indicate that the
number of Trinity's members dropped from 1456 in
1961-62 to 1338 in 1962-63, a decrease of nearly 120 mem-
bers. There was a considerable loss due to death and
transfer to other churches. In addition, the last ciuarterly
conference of the year authorized the removal of a large
number of names of persons who had moved from Dur-
ham or had been "lost sight of" in some other manner.
During the year decision was reached to install wall-
to-wall carpeting in the sanctuary. The carpet has added
considerably to the comfort and attractiveness of the
church. Other capital improvements were made by paint-
ing and renovating, as well as by increasing the efficiency
of facilities in the educational building. The budget for
the year was placed at approximately $84,000.
One of the most significant matters brought to the at-
tention of the congregation in this conference year was the
College Crusade of the North Carolina Conference. In
October of 1962, a Crusade Fund Drive Committee was
appointed with O. Z. Wrenn as chairman; the committee
was to undertake to secure pledges of $30,000 to cover
Trinity's quota. The drive yielded only approximately
$17,500 of the desired amount, so it was decided to include
$1,000 for the College Fund in the church budget each
year until the entire balance of $12,500 could be raised.
It may be noted here that later in this historical sketch it
will appear that the total of Trinity's quota was secured
by 1970, several years ahead of time.
Our congregation was deeply saddened by the sudden
death of H. C. Kennett, Chairman of the Official Board,
on November 1, 1962. Trinity Church has not known a
more sincere Christian nor a more dedicated leader than
Connor Kennett; we shall not often enough see his like
again. He was succeeded in the chairmanship for the re-
mainder of the church year by Frank M. Barnhart. Baxter
Ridenhour continued as church school superintendent, and
Mrs. O. Kelly Ingram served as president of the Woman's
Society of Christian Service.
1963-1964
The opening of the conference year of 1963-64 saw Trin-
ity Church begin with Eugene W. Carlton as Chairman of
the Official Board, Paul Williamson as superintendent of
the church school, and Mrs. O. Kelly Ingram as president
of the Woman's Society of Christian Service. During the
early months of this year, several very timely projects were
undertaken for the improvement of the church property.
In one of these projects, the Methodist Men of the church
undertook the promotion of a program of renovating and
decorating the pastor's study. This effort served to meet
a need that had been apparent for some time.
The church budget for 1963-64 stood at approximately
$85,000. The final report of the pastor shows that a total
of $94,000 was raised by the congregation, including sub-
stantial amounts contributed by the church school and by
the Woman's Society of Christian Service.
1964-1965
During the conference year of 1964-65, the Trinity con-
gregation witnessed a considerable number of physical
improvements made by the Property Committee under the
direction of Guy Bennett as chairman. These included
furnace repairs, painting, work on the church lawn, and
improvements made in the Church Parlor, among other
things.
It may be noted that Mrs. W. M. Glenn, who had made
significant donations to Trinity in former years, had re-
furnished and re-decorated the auxiliary kitchen to the
Parlor, as well as providing improvements to the Susannah
Wesley classroom. The members of the church are grate-
ful to Mrs. Glenn for these and all other tokens of her
love and loyalty.
At one of the early meetings of the year, it was an-
nounced that a gift of $2,500 had been bequeathed to
Trinity Church in the will of the late William Whitfield
Sledge. Appropriate acknow^ledgment of this generous
bequest was made by the Official Board.
In November of 1964, Trinity Church suffered an ir-
reparable loss in the death of Dr. Edgar Lafayette Hillman.
Dr. Hillman became pastor of the church in 1933, during
the most trying years of the Great Depression. His inspir-
ing leadership challenged the faith and commitment of the
congregation to the Diamond Jubilee Celebration and
through the following years, which marked the beginning
of the removal of the staggering indebtedness which had
hindered Trinity's progress through many years.
Following his retirement from the active ministry in
1959, Dr. Hillman and his dedicated wife became identi-
fied with our church, and all the years of this noble man's
life have been noted as landmarks in our history.
For the church year of 1964-65, J. Harvey Bryan was
Chairman of the Official Board, Paul R. Williamson re-
mained as church school superintendent, and Mrs. H. D.
Cleaver, Jr. was president of the Woman's Society of Chris-
tian Service.
1965-1966
The year of 1965-66 stands at the midpoint of the decade
for which this brief sketch has been written. Many of the
happenings of the year will be held in lasting remembrance
by Trinity members. Records show that Aubrey B. King
was Chairman of the Official Board, Edward R. Snuggs was
superintendent of the church school, and Mrs. H. D.
Cleaver, Jr., was president of the Woman's Society of
Christian Service. The church budget of the year amounted
to approximately $87,500 and included $6,550 for capital
improvements. In September, 1955, the Board reported
that the total assets of the Trinitv Church Endowment
Trust amounted to $10,492.66 as of "^ June 30, 1965.
In January, 1966, the congregation was saddened by
the news of the death of Miss Blanche A. Briggs, Miss
Briggs was born in Durham and attended Greensboro Fe-
male College, from which she graduated with distinction.
In her church and community, she was particularly de-
voted to the youth of her generation. For years she taught
a group of teen-age boys, some of whom became leaders
in the growth and development of Durham. Although
modest and unassuming throughout her long life of 95
years, she so lived that "generations unborn will rise up
and call her blessed."
Within the year, the Official Board voted a trip to the
Holy Land for Mr. and Mrs. Howard. This gift was made
as a token of deep appreciation on the part of the congre-
gation for our pastor's six years of devoted and dedicated
leadership.
In the latter part of this church year, the Trinity con-
gregation lost from its Christian fellowship another of its
cherished members in the death of Mrs. Lucille Swaringen
Rogers, wife of Mr. Ralph P. Rogers, Sr. Mrs. Rogers,
through all the years of her church life at Trinity, was
known to all as a devoted member and beloved friend.
Wherever she went, she radiated happiness and joy in
living.
From time to time, Mrs. Rogers served the church with
deep interest and faithful loyalty on the Official Board,
in the Woman's Society of Christian Service, and in the
Francis Asbury Class. Her beautiful life will ever serve as
a noble inspiration, and she will be carried in memory as
one whose devout, Christian example places her name high
among Christ's followers and among those who have loved
their fellowmen and God supremely. Trinity Church is far
richer that Mrs. Lucille Rogers has lived in our midst.
It is fitting to recall here that appropriate memorials
to Mrs. Rogers' devotion to the good and the beautiful are
to be found in the Trinity sanctuary. In her will there was
left a bequest of $2,500 to the church. In 1968, when the
sanctuary organ was rebuilt, this amount was devoted
to the installation of the French Trumpet of the Antiphonal
Organ. In this manner, the tones of the Trinity organ can
be joined with praise of the choir invisible. It needs to
be recorded, also, that a pair of handsome candelabra has
been given by Sally Lou and Patsy Elizabeth Millar, Mrs.
Rogers' granddaughters, as a memorial to their grand-
mother.
One of the most significant highlights of 1965-66, if not
of the entire decade, was the development of a beautiful
little garden in the open court between the sanctuary and
the educational building and dedicated to the memory of
the late Mrs. J. A. Buchanan, a long-time, devoted mem-
ber of Trinity Church. In October, 1965, the Official
Board agreed that the garden be developed through pri-
vate donations, and the work was done immediately.
Mattie Toms Buchanan was a daughter of the late Mr.
C. W. Toms, sometime superintendent of the Durham City
Schools and later head of the Liggett and Myers Tobacco
Company here. She was deeply interested in the welfare
of Trinity Church as long as she lived. She served faith-
fully and capably as president of the Woman's Society of
Christian Service, as well as in other capacities. All five
of her daughters have followed her example in their in-
terest and love for the church. One daughter, Mrs. J. Ran-
dolph Coupland, III (Susan) continues to serve Trinity
with distinctive loyalty and faithfulness.
The Memorial Garden, truly a thing of beauty and a joy
forever, is carpeted with grass and filled, around its bor-
ders, with dogwood, magnolias, birch, azaleas, and rhodo-
dendron. All these attest to the modesty and gentleness
so characteristic of the one whose memory will always be
treasured by all the members of Trinity Church.
It has been discovered that the Garden is not only beau-
tiful to behold, but that it serves other valuable ends as
well. On Sunday mornings, just prior to worship services
in the sanctuary, members of the congregaton — young and
old alike — gather for a quarter-hour of Christian fellow-
ship in the Garden, with refreshments being served. This
makes for greater unity and harmony in the Trinity Church
family.
In 1970. several years after the completion of the Gar-
den, it became the scene of an out-door wedding, when it
was to serve as the sanctuary for the final part of the wed-
ding service for Miss Brenda Hopkins and Dr. Jay Jar-
makani on June 20. The wedding began in the sanctuary
with some 250 guests present, and the Rev. W. K. Quick,
officiating. Just as the bride's father, Mr. G. C. Hopkins,
Jr., was giving the bride away, billows of smoke were no-
ticed pouring into the nave. The minister dismissed the
congregation to the Memorial Garden, for the remainder
of the ceremony, thus fulfilling the bride's original wish.
When one has finished enjoying the charm of flower
and shrub, he finds he cannot leave without observing the
inspiring little statuette of St. Francis and the Birds. St.
Francis devoutly loved God and all His little ones; so did
Mattie Toms Buchanan.
Truly her life was a living prayer, not unlike the words
of that saint of old: "it is in giving that we receive ... it
is in dying that we are born to eternal life."
1966-1967
The church year of 1966-67 began with Floyd E. Patton
as Chairman of the Official Board, Edwin R. Snuggs as
superintendent of the church school, and Mrs. R. L. Roy-
croft, Jr., as President of the Woman's Society of Christian
Service. An annual budget of approximately $92,000 was
adopted by the Board. Report was made that a large
number of physical improvements to the sanctuary, the
educational building and the church grounds had been
made.
In September, 1966, Trinity Church suffered irreparable
loss in the death of Dr. Herbert J. Herring. Dr. Herring
had been a loyal and devoted member of the Trinity con-
gregation for more than forty years. During this long
period of time, he had served the church most capably in
a number of significant capacities. He was several times
chosen to a place on the Official Board and was Chairman
of that body for 1961-62. He was also a teacher of the
Julian S. Carr Bible Class for quite a long time.
Dean Herring was modest and unassuming. His life
was characterized by kindness, friendliness, and an abiding
sense of justice and integrity. His memory will live on
in the minds and hearts of Trinity people.
Early in the year, property on the corner of Liberty and
Cleveland Streets was sold to the Durham Redevelopment
Commission for $38,100. Attention was called to the fact
that the parsonage on Monmouth Avenue had proven in-
adequate and undesirable; steps were taken toward pro-
curing a more desirable pastor's residence.
8
It was also reported that the sanctuary organ was no
longer in satisfactory condition, and plans were laid toward
relieving this situation. Upon recommendation of the Com-
mittee on Worship, it was decided to procure about 600
copies of the nev/ Methodist Hymnal.
In early 1967, Mr. R. H. Powell, Jr. reported that the
church trustees had purchased a lot on Arrington Street
for ^7,300, as the possible site for a new parsonage. In
later months a home on West Knox Street was purchased,
and the Arrington Street property was not used.
Note was taken of the death of several members who
had been faithful and active in official circles of Trinity
Church. Among these were Mr. Hubert O. Teer, Mr. Wil-
liam L. Perry, Mr. Jesse Bishop and Dr. John Gergen. All
four of these men gave freely and faithfully of their tal-
ent, time and treasure to the on-going program of the
church ; their lives will be held in affectionate memory
through the coming years.
No record of our church for 1966-1967 would be com-
plete unless attention were called to the resignation, in
1967, of Mrs. Jean Cunningham as church organist. Mrs.
Cunningham had presided at Trinity's chancel organ for
almost half a century — from 1922 to 1967. In fair weather
and foul, she served faithfully and capably, her leader-
ship providing inspiration to choir and congregation alike.
She will be held in high esteem for generations to come.
1967-1968
The Conference Year of 1967-68 opened with Charles
W. White as Chairman of the Official Board, Edwin R.
Snuggs as superintendent of the church school, and Mrs.
R. L. Roycroft, Jr., as President of the Woman's Society of
Christian Service. By official action, the budget for the
year was set at a little more than $97,000, with some $22,-
000 appropriated for conference and general benevolences,
and another $10,000 for capital improvements.
Considerable attention throughout the year centered
around the disposal of the Monmouth Avenue parsonage
and the purchase of a new one at 1108 W. Knox Street.
According to the trustees' report of February, 1968, the
old parsonage was sold for $18,712.50. Amounts received
from the sale of the Cleveland Street and Monmouth Ave-
nue properties, together with other amounts from acc"ued
interest and dividends, provided a substantial sum.
With these funds, the church officers were able to pay
off the indebtedness on the Arrington Street property and
to purchase the new parsonage. The cost of the latter
was $38,411.93, plus approximately $8,500 for renovation
and for taxes.
The new home for minister and family is well located at
1108 West Knox Street. The property is approximately
150 by 150 feet, facing south. The house is about 26 years
old, is air-conditioned, and has been pronounced "in good
condition". It contains a living room, a formal dining-
room, a den, kitchen and bath on the first floor. On the
second floor there are three bedrooms and two baths.
During this church year, the Trinity congregation noted
with deep regret the passing of two of its most loyal and
devoted members, Mr. Cecil E. Cooke and Mr. S. O. Gantt.
Both of these men had rendered distinctive service to the
church they loved for many, many years.
Mr. Cooke died in July, 1967, and in his death Trinity
sustained immeasurable loss. He served the church for
years as a faithful member of the Official Board and as
superintendent of the church school. In the latter capacity
he gave freely and creditably of himself for nearly twenty
years, a record rarely equaled in the history of Trinity
Church.
Cecil Cooke served not only his church but his commun-
ity as well. He placed Durham deep in its debt for his
long years as an educator — as teacher, assistant principal
and principal. For fourteen years he occupied a place of
leadership, first at Carr Junior High School and later at
Durham High School.
In all of his private life and public career, Mr. Cooke
was a man of high principle and strong Christian char-
acter. Ail Durham will be far richer for his having lived
his years among us.
Mr. S. O. Gantt also died in July, 1967. For more than
forty years he could be counted as wholly dedicated, in
spirit and service, to the church he loved so well. Mr.
Gantt supervised the construction of our present church
structure from 1924. He was later chairman of the main-
tenance committee and in this capacity gave of his time
and talent without charge or financial compensation. His
was a place in Trinity Church which will be difficult to fill
during the years to come.
A significant trust was established at Trinity in late
December, 1967 by C. Knox Massey and children, Kay
Massey Weatherspoon and C. Knox Massey, Jr. to be known
as the "Louise S. Massey Fund."
Established "in loving acknov/ledgement of the Chris-
tian influence of Louise S. Massey upon us in our home . . .
and to honor her while she lives and to enrich for future
10
generations the total program of Trinity Methodist Church."
The perpetual trust is "to provide an income to enrich the
program of Trinity" with major proceeds to be used "for
the enrichment of the total musical program of the Church
. . . developing and increasing the effectiveness of the
youth activities . . . and church activities, purposes or proj-
ects selected by the Massey Trust Committee."
The initial gift of $10,000 is being added to annually.
Other Trinity members shall probably see this as a chal-
lenge to "put God's will in your will." Truly a man says in
life, as well as in death, what he really believes in. The
establishment of an endow^ed fund to assist in program and
activities is a much needed dim^ension in Trinity's future.
1968-1969
The church year 1968-69 is recorded as the ninth and
last year of Dr. W. M. Howard's ministry as pastor of Trin-
ity Church. Beginning with 1960-61 and ending with
1968-69, he had served the Mother of Durham Methodism
with outstanding distinction. For these nine years, Dr.
Howard had given himself unreservedly to the congrega-
tion and community; this represents the longest period of
time any minister had led the Trinity flock as its spiritual
leader. On account of his many noble contributions to the
service of God and his fellowman, Dr. Howard had been
awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinitj^ by
High Point College. He was also selected to represent the
North Carolina Conference as clerical delegate to the Gen-
eral and Jurisdictional Conferences of the Church in 1968.
A number of significant developments occurred during
this final year of Dr. Howard's ministry. As a result of ef-
forts on the part of the Commission on Worship, the in-
stallation of paraments for the sanctuary was completed.
Announcement was made by the Commission as to the
meaning of various lectern hangings and related items as
well as the donors and persons honored in the donations.
A white altar cover and lectern hanging were given in
memory of Mrs. Eva Gantt Haley and Russell Gantt Haley
by the family, and white stoles for ministers were given
by the family in memory of Mr. S. O. Gantt. Red para-
ments were given in memory of Mr. Junius P. Moore and
his wife, Mrs. Jennie D. Moore.
The green altar cloth and lectern hanging were given
in memory of Mrs. Josephine H. Taylor by her family.
Green stoles in memory of Mrs. Blanche Hobgood Baldwin
were given by Mr. and Mrs. Fenton A. Atkins, Mr. and Mrs.
S. H. Hobgoods Jr. and Mrs. Cecil S. Cooke.
11
The purple altar cover and lectern hanging were given
by Mrs. Rebecca Weathers Dukes and Mrs. Leon M. Hall
in honor of Mr. and Mrs. J. Harvey Bryan. Purple stoles
in memory of Mrs. Blanche Hobgood Baldwin were given
by Mr. and Mrs. Fenton A. Atkins, Mr. and Mrs. S. H.
Hobgood, Jr., and Mrs. Cecil E. Cooke.
It is likely worth remembering that the paraments of
different colors are to be used at different seasons of the
church year. Purple is used at A.dvent and Lent; green at
Epiphany and Kingdomtide ; white at Christmastide and
Eastertide; and red at Pentecost.
During the year an Altar Guild was organized and in-
stalled for the purpose of providing a more desirable wor-
ship setting in the sanctuary. The Guild is considered to
be responsible for seeing that appropriate paraments are
properly placed, that altar candles are readied for the
acolytes, and that assistance be rendered in Holy Com-
munion services.
One of the most important undertakings of the year
1968-1969 v/as the completion of the renovation of the
sanctuary organ. This magnificent instrument, given to
Trinity Church nearly fifty years ago by Mrs. Julian S.
Carr, Jr., as a memorial to her husband, for several years
had been known to be in an undesirable condition.
In the early autumn of 1967, a representative of the
Chapel Organ Company had estimated that approxi-
mately $27', 000 would be required to restore the organ to
its normal usefulness. The Commission on Stewardship
and Finance recommended that proper steps for renova-
tion be taken, and their action v^^as approved by the Of-
ficial Board.
During the months required for the work, funds were
secured from several sources to pay for the needed reno-
vation. An amount of $15,000 was secured from the sale
of the old parsonage property located on Moumouth Ave.
From each of the estates of Mrs. Lucile S. Rogers and
Mrs. P. C. Milner, amounts of $2,500 were derived, and
from the estate of Mr. William. Speed another $1,000 was
added. In addition to these amounts, the Official Board
authorized the transfer of $5,000, and a direct appropria-
tion of $2,000 was made by the Board. With these trans-
actions completed and the renovation finished, the organ,
now worth an estimated $75,000, was pronounced ready
for use in November, 1968.
The year v/as also marked by several significant
changes. At the August meeting of the Official Board,
it was announced that Dr. William R. Cannon, of Emory
University, had been elevated to the episcopacy and as-
12
signed to the Raleigh Area to succeed Bishop Paul Neff
Garber, who had retired and moved to Geneva, Switzer-
land to live.
Bishop Cannon, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee had
received his education at Emory and holds degrees from
the University of Georgia as well as Temple and Yale Uni-
versities. For fifteen years he was dean of the Candler
School of Theology at Emory. Trinity Church joins the
other churches of the North Carolina Conference in bid-
ding Bishop Cannon hearty welcome and feels assured
that under his leadership we shall witness a marked ad-
vance in the affairs of God's kingdom. Trinity was grati-
fied to learn that, at the 1968 North Carolina Annual Con-
ference, Dr. Chancie D. Barclift was again appointed to
the superintendency of the Durham District. Dr. Barclift
served with distinction as Trinity's pastor, 1952-56, and
was formerly district superintendent of the Durham Dis-
trict, 1956-62. With the completion of the current term,
he will have been identified with Trinity Church for a total
of sixteen years. This appears to be the longest period of
time any minister has ever been identified with Trinity
Church in an official capacity. Mrs. Barclift has been a
faithful Trinity member during all the years Dr. Barclift
has been in residence here. Both are warmly welcomed as
they return to our church family.
For this church year, the Chairman of the Official Board
was C. Knox Massey, the superintendent of the church
school was Clyde P. Richman, and the president of the
Woman's Society of Christian Service was Mrs. W. B.
McDonald.
1969-1970
The church year of 1968-1969 witnessed a most sig-
nificant change in the meaning and mission of American
Methodism. The General Conference of 1968 formed the
United Methodist Church by merging The Methodist
Church and the Church of the Evangelical United Brethren.
This new body would contain approximately eleven mil-
lion members.
It was not until the beginning of the 1969-1970 year
that the impact upon the structure and functions of a local
church was realized at Trinity Church ; so it is in this part
of the Trinity story that attention is called to "the new
era". It may prove of interest and worth to take note of
some of the many changes in policy and practice.
At Trinity, the local church body of control becomes
the Administrative Board in place of the Official Board.
13
Stewards become known as Board members at large. The
Board of Trustees remains the same, but the presiding of-
ficer is known as chairman instead of president. The
groups formerly called commissions are now named Work
Areas. These Work Areas cover a wide field of interests:
Ecumenical Affairs, Education, Evangelism, Missions, So-
cial Concerns, Stewardship, and Worship. It may be noted
incidentally that the title for the Woman's Society of Chris-
tian Service has been changed to the Women's Society of
Christian Service. There are now Committees on Pastor-
Parish Relations, Finances, Christian Vocations, Lay Per-
sonnel, Recreation, Fellowship and other pertinent fields.
An entirely new body within the framework of the lead-
ership at Trinity Church is known as the Council on Min-
istries. Its membership includes the pastor and other
church staff personnel, the chairman of the Administrative
Board, the church lay leader, coordinators for various age
groups, chairmen of the several work areas, the president
of the Women's Society of Christian Service, and others.
It is the function of the Council to initiate and correlate
program resources from agencies of Methodism at all levels
and relate them to local planning.
Coincidental with The restructuring of the local church,
has been a change in its pastoral leadership. At the 1969
Annual Conference, Bishop Cannon assigned Dr. William
Howard to Cary and appointed Rev. William Kellon Quick
as his successor. Mr. Quick was born in Marlboro County,
S. C, received his early college education at Pfeiffer Col-
lege, and holds the A.B. Degree from Randolph-Macon
College and the B.D. degree from the Duke University
Divinity School. Following early pastorates in Carteret
County and several rural areas near Durham, he spent
four years at Zebulon and then six years as minister of
St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville. Mr.
Quick's ministry at St. James has been characterized as a
signal success ; during his six years there the congregation
grew from about 450 to nearly 1200 in number. He led
the Greenville Church through its major building phase — a
$400,000 project.
Married to the former Barbara Elizabeth Campbell of
Bluefield, West Virginia, the Quicks have three sons and
a daughter: Stephen Kellon, Kathryn Elizabeth, David
Christopher and Paul Sanders. Trinity, accustomed to
older ministers, received with great anticipation the young
Quick family. The new minister is the youngest, 36, since
R. S. Beamon, who was 32 when appointed to Trinity in
1892.
14
Our minister is a trustee of Methodist College and for-
mer trustee of Louisburg College and the Methodist Home
for Children. He is archivist of the North Carolina Con-
ference Historical Society and is chairman of the national
executive committee for the Bicentennial Celebration in
honor of Bishop Francis Asbury, to be held at Lake Juna-
luska September, 1971.
During 1969-70 the Administrative Board, after ex-
tensive study and careful planning, decided that some cap-
ital improvements in Trinity's sanctuary and educational
building were extremely necessary. A plan was approved
to launch a "Forward Together Crusade" to raise approxi-
mately $193,000 for Capital Funds; the Crusade would
also undertake to raise S107,000 for the 1970-71 budget.
The drive, extending from April 3 to April 21, was under
the direction of Dr. D. George Davies, of the General
Board of Missions, and a Crusade Executive Committee.
This committee consisted of the following: Campaign
Chairman, E. S. Swindell, Jr.; Crusade Chairman, Floyd
E. Patton; E.M.V. Chairman, Clinton Rogers; Spiritual Life
Chairman, Dr. Thor Hall; Advance Gifts Chairmen, Knox
Massey and Wyche Horton; Food and Fellowship Chair-
man, R. L. Roycroft, Jr. ; Publicity Chairman, Archie Davis.
Crusade secretaries were Mrs. J. C. Holloway and Mrs.
Peggy Ray, and Ex-Officio members were Ralph P. Rogers,
Jr., Dr. Ben McCutcheon, Charles White, Rev. William K.
Quick and DeWitt Rogers.
Church leaders for the year were : Dr. W. B. Mc-
Cutcheon, Jr., Chairman of the Administrative Board,
Clyde P. Richman, superintendent of the church school,
and Mrs. W. B. McDonald, president of the Women's So-
ciety of Christian Service.
1970-1971
The Trinity Church story for 1970-71 is largely a sequel
to that for 1969-70. With the "Forward Together Cru-
sade" successfullj^ completed and the goal for Capital
Funds practically reached, the way was opened for im-
plementation in refurbishing and renovating the sanctuary
and educational building. A Building Committee was
formed, v/ith George W. Newton as chairman, and work
was begun as of September, 1970. The first stage, now
known as Phase I, was to include work on the Carr Room
area and the exterior of the sanctuary.
In general, the floor, walls and ceiling of the Carr Fel-
lowship Hall, as it is now officially called, were thoroughly
modernized. The heating, plumbing and electrical facili-
15
ties were vastly improved. Work on the roof and other
necessary repairs v^'ere made to the sanctuary. The kitchen
was updated and an adjacent rest room provided. New
stage lighting and curtains v/ere installed.
The total cost of Phase I has been estimated at ap-
proximately !p54,600. This amount includes an expenditure
of $1,900 for 150 nev/ chairs and another expenditure for
a new electric organ for the CaiT Fellowship Hall. The
organ cost approximately $3,700, of which $2,000 was do-
nated by members of the Julian S. Carr Bible Class. The
Hall has been in use since February, 1971, and is dedi-
cated to worship and learning, to Christian fellowship and
wholesome recreation, as well as other worthw^hile pur-
poses.
Phase H of the renovation program began in April, 1971,
and devotes itself chiefly to v/ork in the basement, first,
second and third floors of the education building. In ad-
dition, iraprovemients are contemplated in the exterior of
the building. These include a nev/ entrance at the Hollo-
vv'ay street basement level, a new roof over the first floor
Holloway street entrance, and a ramp for wheelchairs at
the rear entrance adjacent to the Choir Room on Holloway
Street. It is expected that this work will be completed
by December, 1971, and that the cost will be approxi-
mately $116,750 with an additional allowance of $15,000
for anticipated furnishings.
It is noteworthy to observe that several changes of class-
rooms and other facilities will be made in the educational
building. Among other things, a number of classes in the
elementary division of the church school v/ill be removed
to other parts of the building.
Larger administrative office space will be provided. The
Bryan Memorial Library, erected in memory of Mr. Wil-
liam Bryan, v^'ho was for many years our church school
superintendent, v/ill be given better quarters. It is to be
strongly hoped that the Library, in its new setting, will
be more widely used than in the past.
One of the most highly valued imxprovements on the
building's first floor will be the installation of a beautiful
Memorial Chapel. The Chapel, impressively fitted with
stained glass windows, chancel furnishings and organ,
among other facilities, will provide Trinity with a most
appropriate place for a number of small gatherings. It is
a gift of Mr. and Mrs. C. Bickett Idol in memory of Mrs.
Idol's father, Mr. R. T. Amos, of High Point.
During 1970-71, our people have been engaged, not only
in building, but in a number of other significant enter-
prises. Under the ever-inspiring leadership of its dynamic
16
and devoted leader, the Reverend William K. Quick, Dur-
ham's Mother Church in Methodism has made great strides
forward. Outstanding progress has been achieved in ecu-
menical affairs, education, evangelism, missions, steward-
ship, social concerns, worship and other areas.
Thorough consideration has been given to the question
of church union. A Center City Ministry has been estab-
lished, with United Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, Presby-
terian, A.M.E, Zion and Judea-Reform Congregations co-
operating. On Sundays and weekdays at Trinity there
have been classes in religion, and the year has been noted
for activities in Christian Adventure Week for Youth, ex-
tended study sessions and family night workshops.
In the spring of 1971, there were held two meaningful
Ventures in Evangelism. One preaching mission, "A Mis-
sion to the City", led by the Rev. Peter John Marshall, was
observed. Another preaching mission, "A Mission to Trin-
ity", followed with the Rev. Alan A. Smith, a British
Methodist pastor, as the mission preacher.
Underprivileged people, young and old, have not been
forgotten. The challenge of supporting a missionary has
been accepted, funds for the suffering in Peru have been
raised, and support of the Edgemont Community Center
is being continued.
The year's program at Trinity has attracted conference-
wide attention. As one tangible result. Trinity was
named the "Urban Church of the Year" for 1971 in the
North Carolina Conference. This was the first Urban
Church Award presented by the United Methodist Con-
ference Board of Missions. An appropriate plaque in
recognition was presented by Bishop William R. Cannon at
the Annual Conference, and a copy is placed in this record
for the year.
17
URBAN CHURCH OF THE YEAR
1971
Trinity United Methodist Church
In The
Durham District
Of The
United Methodist Church
Granted In Recognition for Excellence In
Church and Community Service
By The
Board of Missions
North Carolina Annual Conference, S.E.J.
Methodist College
Fayetteville, North Carolina
June 2, 1971
F. Owen Fitzgerald, Jr., Chairman Reginald Ponder, Chairman
Sub-Committee on Urban Worl< Church and Community Commission
Edward F. Smith, President William R. Cannon, Bishop
Board of Missions The Raleigh Area
The award was presented on the basis of Trinity's mis-
sion and outreach. The purpose of Trinity was set to be
"a servant church" in a ministry beyond its membership,
to the transient, the disadvantaged, the power structure
of Durham and to prisoners. The program for the year
included the spear-heading of a city-wide study of the
Consultation on Church Union, a dual emphasis of Biblical
and theological-cultural studies, the addition of a lay
worker in children's ministry, and the paying in full of
the 1962 College Crusade goal of .$30,000. In evangelism,
two ventures — "A Mission to Trinity" and "A Mission to
the City" — were held, and in missions the congregation in-
creased the benevolence and mission budget by 10 per cent.
The Stewardship report showed that Trinity raised an
all time high of S190,746 during the year. These are
among the highlights of the program considered by the
Board of Missions which led to the award for Urban
Church of the Year. In the area of Social Concerns,
Trinity shared in the formation of the Center City Church
Ministry, and through numerous projects initiated a num-
ber of social concerns.
18
Capital improvements included the renovation of the
Carr Fellowship Hall and an addition to the parsonage of
a new bedroom-bath with improved kitchen and laundry
facilities.
Early in the 1970-71 Conference Year, Trinity received a
significant gift from John A. Buchanan thereby creating
the "Mattie Toms Buchanan Memorial Trust". The Trust
will be utilized for the maintenance and improvement of
the Buchanan Memiorial Garden and will provide for spe-
cial projects approved by the Trust Committee.
At the conclusion of the conference year, several Trin-
ity leaders were elected to the 1972 quadrennial General
and Jurisdictional Conferences. Dean Robert E, Cushman
of the Duke Divinity School was chosen for General Con-
ference set for Atlanta, and the minister, the Rev. William
K. Quick, Dr. O. Kelly Ingram, Divinity School professor,
and Mrs. E. L. Hillman, widow of a former Trinity pastor,
were elected to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference
at Lake Junaluska.
In February, 1971, Trinity Church experienced a deep
loss in the death of one of its noblest churchwomen, Mrs.
Annie Hamlin Swindell, v/ife of Mr. E. S. Swindell, Sr,
Mrs. Swindell was born in Durham, educated in its city
schools and Trinity College, now Duke University.
For nearly fifty years, she devoted her remarkable talent
for teaching to children and youth, both in community and
church. Her professional career included a large number
of duties and responsibilities: first, as science teacher,
then as dean of girls in junior high schools, and finally
as principal of the Holloway Street School until her retire-
ment. She was also very active in the Retirement System
of the state and as a leader among retired teachers.
In her inspiring contribution of precept and example,
this noble woman has left to Trinity Church a legacy, rich
beyond words. For generations to come, we shall be grate-
ful to God for a beautiful life lived among us. Numerous
memorial gifts were given by friends, among them the east
window of the narthex — a gift of members of the Susannah
Wesley Class and other friends. The window features
"the Mother of Methodism", Susannah Wesley, from an
original portrait, which now hangs in Didsbury College,
Bristol.
The record for 1970-71 would be altogether incomplete
unless a word of appreciation were written to acknowledge
the loyal and sacrificial service of a number of men and
women who taught in the church school during the decade.
19
Not all the names could be secured, but among those who
were listed are the following:
Mrs. Charles White, Kindergarten; Miss Rebie Bryan,
Kindergarten Secretary ; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Whit-
field, Nursery; Mrs. B. U. Rose, Nursery, Mrs. J. C. Rose,
Nursery; Mrs. Frank Penny, Nursery; Mrs. Harold
O'Briant, Nursery; E. S. Swindell, Jr., Pattie Baldwin
Class; Dr. Ray Petry, Trinitarian Class; Rev. L. M. Hall,
Julian S. Carr Class.
Staff leaders for 1970-71, the tenth year of the study were:
The Rev. William K. Quick, Minister
The Rev. Leon M. Hall, Associate Minister.
The Rev. Charles M. Smith, Associate Minister
The Rev. Robert E. Stillwell, Minister to Youth
Mrs. Ina Carpenter, Children's Ministry
Basil Kustodowicz, Center City Ministry
Robert Brown, Center City Ministry
Mrs. J. C. Holloway, Church Secretary
Mrs. Peggy Brown Ray, Pastor's Secretary
Mrs. H. A. Allred, Jr., Church Hostess
R. Glenn Starnes, Director of Music
Mrs. Charlotte F. Cartwright, Organist
Mrs. Celia B. Oatney, Housekeeper
Ernest R. Rogers, Night Custodian
Stephen Hoegner, Church Beadle
Baxter Ridenhour, Board Chairman
Thor Hall, Council Chairman-
Aubrey B. King, Chairman, Board of Trustees
McMurry Richey, Church School Superintendent
E. S. Svv'indell, Jr., Church Lay Leader
Eugene W. Carlton, Church Treasurer
Mrs. W. B. McCutcheon, Jr., President, Women's Society
of Christian Service
Archie Davis, President, United Methodist Men
Miss Marv Opal Shuford, President, Wesleyan Service
Guild
Scott Ricketts, President, United Methodist Youth Fel-
lowship
20
1971-1972
It was originally planned that this sketch should cover
exactly a decade — June 1961 to May 1971. It has been de-
termined, however, that it would prove wise to include 1971-
72 in the study, even though this extends the time covered
from ten years to eleven. The undertakings and program
achievements of this eleventh year relate themselves too
closely to those of previous years to be separated. Explana-
tion is offered that when the term "decade" is used any-
where in the study, it may be understood that the history
covers an "approximate" decade.
Just as it was stated earlier that the Trinity Story for
1970-71 was largely a "sequel to the story for the previous
year," it may be repeated that the record for 1971-72 was,
in large measure, a completion of the program earlier be-
gun. This final year of "the Crusade for Progress" saw sev-
eral changes in the classroom arrangement in the Educa-
tional Building.
The Pastor's new Study, adjacent to the Memorial
Chapel, has been beautifully fitted with new furnishings,
provided by Mrs. W. B. McCutcheon in memory of Dr. W.
B. McCutcheon. The new Church Parlor has been enhanced
with new furnishings and totally redecorated, the gift of
Mrs. Cora Wright Chambers in memory of Col. S. C. Cham-
bers and Mrs. Mary Ruth Wright Teer in memory of Mr.
Hubert O. Teer. The Parlor will be a multi-purpose facil-
ity for small group meetings, fellowship hours, committee
sessions and small receptions.
In addition to these memorials a number of new stained
glass windows were projected and planned for during
the 71-72 year. Mrs. S. O. Gantt will provide the two memo-
rial windows on the sides of the downstairs alcove which
houses the Trinity Historical Display, in memory of S. O.
Gantt and Stough B. Gantt. Commitments for additional
windows were received from Mrs Grace Bishop Thompson,
Mrs. Elizabeth Cooke, Mrs. Ina Burnett, and Mrs. Bess
Raper. These will be installed during the 1972-73 church
year.
Another significant Memorial by "a friend of Trinity"
was contributed in late 1971. The "Cross and Flame" insig-
nia of United Methodism, was installed and lighted at the
Holloway Street ground-level entrance. The "Trinity United
Methodist Church" name and a lighted Bulletin Board was
also a part of the memorial gift which "honors our pastor,
William K. Quick, Minister, during the period of Trinity's
Renewal".
21
Program development changes came during the sum-
mer of 1971 when the Music Committee, acting under the
prior recommendation in January, 1970 from the Adminis-
trative Board, moved to employ Trinity's first full-time
organist-choirmaster. T. Woolard Harris of Henderson
filled the position. Trinity's own R. Glenn Starnes and Mrs.
Charlotte Cartwright, organist, had previously headed the
music program. Mr. Harris continued Trinity's fine tradi-
tional music program. Especially outstanding were musical
presentations at the Christmas Lovefeast and the 1972 An-
nual Conference.
In September, 1971, Trinity participated effectively in
an outstanding national Methodist undertaking, the Francis
Asbury Bi-Centennial, observed at Lake Junaluska, N. C.
September 3-5. Rev. William K. Quick v/as the general
chairman for this significant celebration which drew per-
sons from twenty-eight states and overseas. Some 54 Trin-
ity members were numbered among the more than 1,800
participants during the weekend. Among the more than 500
officially-designated delegates were Rev. and Mrs. Quick,
Dr. B. G. Childs, Dr. Paul Mickey and Mrs. Peggy Ray.
The Church Program in 1971-72 has been appreciably
active. In evangelism, some 66 new miembers were received
during the year. Despite a considerable number of deaths
and transfers, the congregation stood at 1,302 members at
the close of the conference year. For the third consecutive
year, Trinity has shown a net gain in membership thus
reversing the trend since the early '50's of membership
decline. The percentage of youth and young adults in the
membership is encouragingly high. A meaningful part of
our evangelistic emphasis was the "Mission to the City"
with Dr. Robert Bruce Pierce, pastor of the Chicago Tem-
ple (First Methodist Church), April 10-12. In addition to
services at Trinity, Dr. Pierce spoke to the Durham Rotary
Club, described as "one of the most captivating speakers in
Durham Rotary History."
The incorporation of the Center City Church Council
came during the year. Trinity officially became a part of
this worthwhile Council and participates widely in its pro-
gram. The Council is "grassroots ecumenical work at its
best". Trinity is not forgetting those on our doorstep.
World-wide missions commands our continuing interest
as well. Someone has said, "Charity may begin at home, but
it doesn't end there." Trinity made a substantial pledge
during 1971-72 towards the support of Rev. and Mrs. David
L. Swain, missionaries in Japan.
A worship highlight during the year has become the
Christmas Lovefeast. Observed on December 19, 1971, this
22
was one of our most spiritually rewarding experiences of
the year. Mrs. James Newsom, Jr. acted as chairman of the
Lovefeast Committee with some seventy-five choral and
musical participants and approximately seventy adults and
youth in leadership of the Feast and Candle-lighting. More
than 600 persons shared in this pre-Christmas celebration.
Among the major church studies of the year were the
Matthew Study in October, led by Dr. Moody Smith; the
Mission Study on Africa, led by Leslie H. Garner, Jr. of
UNC-Chapel Hill and Dr. Creighton Lacy; and the week-
day Bible Study on the Prophets led by Dr. Childs.
Among the Duke students assisting in the year's pro-
grams were Art Allen during the fall of 1971; Tom Joyce
and Mike Aiken during the winter and spring, 1972. Two
Trinity members — Gordon Ruggles and John Draeger— were
recommended for License to Preach and Deacon's Orders in
the United Methodist Church by our Charge Conference.
Their ordination came during the 1972 session of the
North Carolina Annual Conference which Trinity co-hosted
with Duke University. Daytime sessions were held at Page
Auditorium and Duke Chapel and the evening Ordination
Services were conducted at Trinity, led by Bishop William
R. Cannon. By action of the Conference, E. S. Swindell, Jr.
was elected a trustee of the Methodist Retirement Home in
Durham and B. G. Childs was elected a trustee of the Con-
ference Commission on Archives and History. Mrs. E. L.
Hillman and Dr. L. L. Gobbel were elected as members of
the Board of Higher Education. Our pastor was chosen as a
member of the Conference Committee on Communications
and secretary of the Board of Higher Education. He was
also elected vice-president of the Southeastern Jurisdic-
tional Commission on Archives and History and a member
of the SeJ Committee on Communications.
At its 1972 Commencement, Pfeiffer College, our Meth-
odist-related senior college at Misenheimer, conferred the
honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity upon our minister.
Dr. Quick thus became the first graduate of the college, as
well as the youngest minister, to be honored in this manner.
It was announced on the day of the conferral that a $15,000
Scholarship had been established at Pfeiffer, to be known
as the William K. Quick Scholarship. Beginning in 1973
this will make available a $1200 annual scholarship to a
deserving and needy young man from the State of North
Carolina.
Trinity lost during the year a number of members by
death. Among them were our oldest living member, 96-year
old Mrs. Ellen M. Brown; Eugene W. Carlton, church
treasurer and Board member; Oscar M. Pleasants and Her-
bert O'Briant, longtime ushers; Miss Rebie Bryan, faithful,
long-term kindergarten teacher. Other deaths included E.
S. Swindell, Sr., T. Paul Jourdan and Leon Harper. It
should be noted that Mr. Harper left a provision in his will
that Trinity Church would receive a tenth (the Biblical
tithe) of his estate, to be administered through the church
for Methodist church extension and mission work.
In 1971-72 Trinity Church maintained a continued
"high-level" of stewardship supporting local and church-
wide needs. In local church expenditures, ministerial sup-
port, and world service and conference benevolences, the
congregation raised a grand total of $170,781. At the close
of the year, statistics showed the value of church property
to be $1,300,000 and the parsonage and furnishings to be
$62,500. The record shows that the other assets (trusts,
bonds, scholarship) to be approximately $30,000.
The climax of the year came when on Sunday, June 4,
the renovated Church facilities were consecrated in special
services. Bishop William R. Cannon was scheduled to
preach but having "lost his voice" earlier in the week, our
former pastor Dr. W. M. Howard, Jr., was invited back by
Dr. Quick to preach the Consecration sermon. At a cost of
some $270,000 (including memorial gifts), our renewed
Trinity stands on the threshold of an even greater ministry
to the city.
The new conference year, 1972-73, brought several
changes to Trinity. The Pastor-Parish Committee em-
ployed Gregory L. Bell as organist-choirmaster, Ruth
Turner Harper as the Director of Christian Education and
Mrs. Paul Mickey as secretary to the Pastor.
On July 14 during the Southeastern Jurisdictional Con-
ference at Lake Junaluska, Dr. Robert M. Blackburn, pas-
tor of the largest United Methodist Church in the South-
east (almost 5,000 members) was elected a Bishop. On
July 15, Bishop Blackburn was assigned to the Raleigh
Area replacing Bishop Cannon who was assigned to the
Atlanta Area. Also of historical note is the fact that Carl
J. Sanders of Arlington, Va, was the first of six bishops
elected. Dr. Sanders and Bishop Paul N. Garber married
our present minister on January 15, 1955. Two years later
Dr. Sanders led the annual revival services at Trinity.
Bishop Blackburn made his first episcopal visit to Trin-
ity on September 10, 1972, preaching at the 9:00 A.M.
service of worship.
THE MEMORIAL CHAPEL, a gift of Mr. and Mrs. C. Bickett Idol, in memory of
fier fatfier, Mr. Robert T. Amos of High Point, is among major additions to Trinity.
THE [MNISTERS during tine 1961-72 period of Trinity's history. Dr. William K.
Quick and Dr. William M. Howard, are pictured on June 4, 1972 prior to the
consecration of the renovated Trinity facilities.
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